King James Version

What Does 2 Corinthians 5:3 Mean?

2 Corinthians 5:3 in the King James Version says “If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked.” — study this verse from 2 Corinthians chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked.”

2 Corinthians 5:3 · KJV

Context

1

For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.

2

For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven:

3

If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked.

4

For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life.

5

Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked—This cryptic verse addresses the intermediate state between death and resurrection. Gymnoi (γυμνοί, "naked") suggests the vulnerable condition of a disembodied soul awaiting resurrection. The conditional "if so be" (ei ge, εἴ γε) expresses Paul's hope that believers will not experience extended nakedness but will be "clothed upon" at Christ's return.

Scholars debate whether Paul anticipates dying before the Parousia or expects to be among those alive at Christ's coming (1 Corinthians 15:51-52). The emphasis on clothing imagery throughout this passage suggests Paul values embodied existence—even the glorified intermediate state involves some form of clothed presence, not naked souls. This coheres with Paul's Pharisaic background, which affirmed bodily resurrection against Sadducean denial.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Corinthian church struggled with resurrection theology, as evidenced by 1 Corinthians 15. Greek culture viewed immortality of the soul positively but considered bodily resurrection repugnant. Paul carefully navigates these cultural tensions while maintaining biblical anthropology that values embodied existence as God's creational design.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Paul's concern about not being "found naked" reveal about the importance of bodily resurrection versus mere spiritual immortality?
  2. How should Christians think about the intermediate state between death and resurrection—are we incomplete without our resurrection bodies?
  3. Why might Paul prefer being alive at Christ's return over dying and awaiting resurrection (see 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18)?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 6 words
εἴγε1 of 6

“If”

G1489

if indeed, seeing that, unless, (with negative) otherwise

καὶ2 of 6

“so”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐνδυσάμενοι3 of 6

“be that being clothed”

G1746

to invest with clothing (literally or figuratively)

οὐ4 of 6

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

γυμνοὶ5 of 6

“naked”

G1131

nude (absolute or relative, literal or figurative)

εὑρεθησόμεθα6 of 6

“be found”

G2147

to find (literally or figuratively)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Corinthians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Corinthians 5:3 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Corinthians 5:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 3:7-11Revelation 16:15Revelation 3:18Exodus 32:25

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